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You’ve heard of Hakata, Tenjin, Dazaifu, and possibly even Yanagawa – however one other of Fukuoka’s hidden gems is the Itoshima peninsula. This two-part Itoshima sequence will cowl each its Sakurai Futamigurai Couple Stones and its Genkai-Quasi Nationwide Park.
Specifically, this text will cowl the Genkai-Quasi Nationwide Park’s Mt. Tateishi, Keya Seaside, the Totoro Forest, Keya no Oto, and native meals pit stops within the space to catch a break in between your journey.
Mt. Tateishi
Providing a wide ranging view of Itoshima’s seascape, scaling the height of Mt. Tateishi is each refreshing to the thoughts and energizing to the physique. Overlooking Shima city that uniquely extends out of the Keya coast, a far-reaching view of all of Itoshima island, and beautiful views of the ocean all spherical, the reasonably troublesome climb is effectively price it.
A beginner-friendly path that may be conquered even by novices in sneakers, the dry, sandy path absent of the standard lush timber one would possibly see on different hikes makes for excellent surroundings all the way in which up and down the mountain. Irrespective of the season, Mt. Tateishi has one thing to supply.
Climbing somewhat additional up the mountain previous the place most climbers would cease to soak up the enduring Mt. Tateishi view, a field containing free picket plaques stamped with a ‘Itoshima, Tateishi’ insignia might be discovered. A ‘Take Free’ signal encourages all guests to take dwelling somewhat a part of Mt. Tateishi with them.
There are two methods to climb Mt. Tateishi. Most entry it by automotive: drivers can drive up many of the mountain and park at a small parking area, and from there, take pleasure in a leisurely 10- to 15-minute climb as much as the height. I climbed Mt. Tateishi and not using a automotive however following the identical route: from the bottom of the mountain, it took roughly half-hour to the height, and my descent utilizing the second path between Keya Seaside and the height took roughly the identical period of time.
Understand that whereas the descending path is stuffed with many superb photograph spots that almost all miss out on, it’s additionally somewhat tougher to finish than its counterpart path. When you’re feeling like difficult your self and getting your arms soiled, I’d extremely suggest making an attempt each trails like I did!
Keya Seaside
Descending Mt. Tateishi by way of the Keya Seaside trailhead leads you right into a hidden exit off the primary Keya seaside coast. You’re greeted with a salty sea breeze, smooth waves lapping towards uneven rock formations, and clear waters. The seaside can be the venue for the annual outside live performance Sundown Stay, a 2-day summer time pageant held in Fukuoka. A hidden gem, Keya Seaside is a getaway from the standard crowds that flock to seashores within the top of summer time.
Keya no Oto
Close by Keya Seaside is Keya no Oto, a naturally-formed cave formation spanning round 64 meters in top and 90 meters in size. The attractive, hexagonal-shaped formations are a product of the waves naturally crashing towards rock. A spectacle from alongside the island coast, you possibly can stand up shut and private with the rock formations while on a 30-minute boat tour, supplied throughout choose durations throughout the yr.
Totoro Forest
Hooked up to the Keya no Oto cave formations is what has come to be generally known as ‘Totoro Forest’ by Itoshima locals. As a result of this portion of Shima city protrudes out of the primary island and the forest’s location on the very finish of this protrusion, the ocean breeze hits the forest on all sides, always forcing the leaves of all timber discovered within the forest to develop into the dome form that resembles the forest discovered within the well-known ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ movie by Studio Ghibli.
The roughly-cleared trails throughout the forest lined with camellia timber are lined with the shadows of their leaves, making the paths really feel like magical, pure tunnels into one other dimension.
Meals
Itoshima can be well-known for the giant number of recent seafood it presents. There are numerous small, local-run eating places discovered throughout the small peninsula promoting recent day by day catches for terribly cheap costs.
A fantastic discover amongst all these seafood spots is Loiter Market, an ice-cream vendor promoting hand-made gelato from her humble meals truck.
Priced at solely ¥500 (although costs might improve by ¥100 to ¥200 if premium flavors are chosen), this beneficiant portion of scrumptious gelato bursting with taste and recent elements is the right snack to arrange for or reward your self after exploring the island.
Conclusion
Solely an hour and a half away from Fukuoka’s metropolis middle, Itoshima is a must-visit hidden gem in Fukuoka prefecture. Simply the Southern a part of the island alone is dwelling to numerous distinctive experiences and views, and is certain to replenish a half-day itinerary with ease.
Touring round Itoshima by automotive can be probably the most environment friendly means to soak up all of the island has to supply, however getting round by renting a bicycle or just taking the bus can be attainable. Embody Itoshima in your plan the subsequent time you’re in Fukuoka!
Getting there
I like to recommend driving about half-hour from Fukuoka’s metropolis middle to Itoshima.
Alternatively, you possibly can take the Airport Line from JR Hakata Station to Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, adopted by a neighborhood bus to the world. Taking public transportation will take you about an hour and a half to 2 hours, relying in your vacation spot on Itoshima island, however be warned that buses to and from Itoshima, in addition to inside Itoshima, don’t run recurrently.
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